Mario Diaz assumed the role of deputy general manager for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in January 1999. He is responsible for ensuring that the daily operational activities of the world’s busiest airport are executed. These areas include operations, business, finance and capital development. As deputy general manager, his top priorities are providing superior customer service and guiding the Airport’s expansion through the Hartsfield-Jackson Development Program “Focus On the Future.”

Diaz has been a major force in Hartsfield-Jackson’s technology innovations including recent Wi-Fi developments that made the Airport the world’s largest indoor hotspot. He has been one of the industry’s leading authorities in aviation technology as well as the study of future developments in commercial aviation. Diaz was a keynote presenter at the 2003 Air Transport Research Society World Conference and the Wireless Institute’s 2003 Wireless Internet and Municipal Government Conference.

Prior to his current position, Diaz was the manager of business, properties and commercial development for New Jersey Airports, a post he held for four years. In this role, he managed the division responsible for all business and lease negotiations at Newark International Airport as well as the day-to-day oversight management of Teterboro Airport, one of the nation’s premier general aviation airports, and a major reliever airport for Newark International.

His 17-year career with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey began in 1981 and included key management positions in leasing, finance, marketing, operations and properties. During this period, Diaz also served 18 months as the assistant director of the redevelopment program at John F. Kennedy Airport.

A native of Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, and a licensed private pilot with instrument certification, Diaz earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey. He also earned a Master of Business Administration in finance from Rutgers Graduate School of Business Administration in New Jersey.

Last updated: 02/2008